Croatian Foreign Minister Sparks Controversy with Unwelcome Kiss Attempt on German Counterpart

In a surprising turn of events at a European summit in Berlin, Croatian Foreign Minister Gordan Grlic Radman, 65 years old, found himself at the center of a scandal that quickly made headlines across various media platforms and social networks. What transpired during the summit’s group photo session left many stunned and prompted widespread discussion.

"Kiss attack" averted - German Foreign Minister Baerbock turns her head to the side, the Croatian colleague only brushes her cheek-Source: Spiegel Ausland

The incident occurred as the participating ministers gathered for a group photo at the European summit. Radman, a married father of three, unexpectedly made a move toward his neighboring colleague, Annalena Charlotte, the 42-year-old German Foreign Minister. He reached out, shook her hand, and planted a kiss on her cheek, following it with an attempt at a second one, as captured in the video displayed below. However, the married and mother-of-two German minister quickly distanced herself and thwarted his advances.

Neugodna situacija – Grlić Radman pokušao poljubiti njemačku ministricu Annalenu Baerbock pic.twitter.com/aCR5r6DSMp

— Novi DANI (@novi__DANI) November 3, 2023

Radman appeared bewildered by the subsequent criticism and defended his actions when questioned by reporters, stating, “I don’t see what the problem is. We always greet each other warmly. It’s a friendly human gesture towards a colleague.” However, this explanation did not sit well with Rada Boric, a Croatian university professor and women’s rights activist, who deemed Radman’s actions entirely inappropriate. She explained that “warm greetings should only occur between those who permit such gestures,” in her view.

Former Croatian Prime Minister Jadranka Kosor also criticized Grlic Radman’s behavior. As reported by the German newspaper Bild, she tweeted on the “X” platform, stating that “forceful kissing of women is also violence.” While the minister later issued an apology, some speculate that his unsuccessful attempt may come at a cost to his position.

Nasilno ljubljenje žena isto se zove nasilje, ne?

— Jadranka Kosor (@_Jadranka_Kosor) November 3, 2023

This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of respecting personal boundaries in professional settings and the need for a broader conversation about appropriate conduct. It remains to be seen whether this episode will have any lasting impact on Minister Radman’s career.